When it comes to different methods of transportation, few are as linked with images of independence, freedom, and a healthy dose of rebellion as motorcycles.
From James Dean to the Fonz to Dr. House, our pop culture is riddled with anti-hero bikers. Guys who present dark exteriors, but who generally do the right thing.
Outside of Hollywood, motorcycles have a practicality that cars and trucks don't: they're more fuel efficient, easier to park, simpler to maneuver, cheaper to maintain, and, yes, less expensive (most of the time) to insure.
Speaking of insurance, when it comes to insuring your bike, you can bet it's the right thing to do for several reasons:
- It's required by law in most states.
- It will help you retrieve or replace your bike, if it's stolen.
- If you're in an accident, and cause damage, it will be covered.
- If you're in an accident and your bike is damaged, it will be repaired or replaced.
It's also important to remember that these same reasons hold true for any street-legal vehicle (scooters, mopeds, some ATVs), which are often insured using similar guidelines as motorcycle insurance. The rule of thumb is: if it has an engine or motor, and goes on the street, it needs insurance.
Where to Purchase Motorcycle Insurance
Not so long ago, insuring a motorcycle required speaking with a specialty insurance company. Today, you can still go through such insurers, and probably should if your bike is worth more than the average street value, is antique, rare, or modified extensively, but for normal "off the lot" bikes, this is unnecessary.
Most mainstream auto insurance companies now have motorcycle insurance as an option, either under their known brand, or underwritten by a subsidiary or partner company. You can save money by having your motorcycle insurance with the same insurance carrier who holds your existing auto insurance or home insurance policy.
Standard Motorcycle Insurance Options
While every insurance company offers slightly different coverage options, and every biker has slightly different needs, there are several standard options that typically come with motorcycle coverage. They are:
- coverage for bodily injury to yourself if you're in an accident with an uninsured motorist or biker
- coverage for bodily injury to others, or damage to their property, if you cause an accident while on your motorcycle
- coverage to damage to your motorcycle, if you're in an accident
- coverage for any customization work, including upgraded components and/or special paint jobs
- coverage for attached side cars
- other losses, even if your motorcycle is in winter storage. These usually include vandalism, theft, and fire.
Getting the Best Price on Motorcycle Insurance
Just as with auto insurance, the best prices for motorcycle insurance are generally found by comparison shopping. You'll want to compare coverage amounts, premiums and deductibles, of course, but you'll also want to look at the stability and customer satisfaction ratings of the companies you prefer.
As mentioned above, you can save some money by bundling your motorcycle coverage with your home or auto insurance coverage, but there are also discounts for having a good driving record, or demonstrating loyalty to a specific insurer. Sadly, "pay as you drive" programs do not yet exist for motorcycles.
The bottom line is this: even the coolest of the cool know that it isn't the leather jacket that keeps a motorcycle rider safe; it's having adequate insurance.
